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UTexas Recruit Jonathan Hertwig-Odegaard Opens Up About Being Gay
Norwegian decathlete Jonathan Hertwig-Odegaard is getting open and candid about his sexuality. At just 20 years old, he has proven himself to be quite the athlete. He is ranked 81st globally in the decathlon, is a three-time Norwegian Under-20 champion, and is heading to compete in NCAA athletics at the University of Texas. Just recently, he achieved a personal best at the European Athletics U23 Championships in Bergen, leading in six out of ten events. Jonathan started off the month with an in-depth interview with Norway’s public radio and TV broadcaster NRK, with a very candid outlook about his sexuality and the sports world.
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It is his belief that coming out in sports shouldn't be such a big deal. He appreciates his place as a role model, but that an athlete's sexuality shouldn't be getting so much attention. He told the news program, "The problem is perhaps that among athletes, people talk about ‘it’s so brave and tough’ when people come forward. I feel that there is a bit of a wrong focus, that the responsibility should not lie with individuals. I think it is the responsibility of society at large to facilitate that people are comfortable being open about their sexuality, also as athletes.”
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He does see the need for athletes to be out and open, as a way to inspire younger athletes who may be dealing with their sexuality, “I think it would have helped me as a young boy or young athlete. Not necessarily to have someone to look up to, but just to see that it is completely normal to be gay and be a top athlete. Because it is."
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Jonathan shies away from out athletes being called brave or tough, and says it isn't up to an individual to have to change the view of queer people in sports, but rather the responsibility of society. “The responsibility lies with society to create environments where people feel comfortable being open about their sexuality."
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It will be interesting to see where his sports career will go after coming to the United States. We will certainly be watching and rooting him on. Check out this hot pic from Instagram. Um, apparently the Norwegian men are packing!
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Thank you for your representation, Jonathan!
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